Sarnia Legionnaires Sign Two to Roster

tuesday august 26, 2014

 Sam McCormack (sitting) and Tyler Longo (standing) pictured here with Head Coach Dan Rose
are the newest players signed by Sarnia Legionnaires.

The Sarnia Legionnaires Jr B hockey team signed  Forward Tyler Longo and local Defenceman Sam McCormack on Monday at the Sarnia Arena.

Tyler Longo from Etobicoke caught the attention of the Legionnaires at the Sarnia Sting mini camp that was held earlier this year.  Last season Longo played for the Provincial Champions Toronto Nationals Midget AAA team that went on and earned Bronze at the National Telus Cup Championship.  

"He's is a big strong kid." Head Coach Dan Rose said "We wanted to add a little size up front and he's got size and he's got skill and speed as well. He's what I would call a power forward and we are looking forward to having him."

The 5'11", 185 lb forward describes himself as a offensive forward. "I like to set up the plays and grind in the corners and win my battles."

Sam McCormack seen here with Head Coach Dan Rose and his parents Julie and Joe and sister Lexi.
"It's an honour to be signed with the Sarnia Legionnaires." McCormack said  "When I was young and my dad was a coach
with the Legionnaires I always looked up to this team.  It's a dream to become a player on this team."
 

Sarnia Native Sam McCormack is a familiar face in the local hockey arenas playing in Sarnia Hockey then joining the Lambton AAA as a Minor Atom and grew through the ranks to Minor Midget.  In 2013-14 he played for the Mooretown Flags Jr C as a 16 year old.

"Sam McCormack has been on our radar for a couple of years." Rose said "He's a talented local kid. He's a tremendous skater, got good vision on the ice, good passer and got a good shot."

"For Sam it's just going to be about development and learning to play Jr. B and play against bigger and stronger guys, we are going to be patient with him he's only 17 years old but it's an opportunity for Sam."

McCormack who stands 5'9" and weighs 160 lbs will be entering Grade 12 at Northern in September describes himself as an offensive defenceman who likes to rush the puck in the play.  McCormack credits his playing in Mooretown with the Jr C team as preparation for this season.

"Junior hockey is different than playing minor hockey, you get to play with kids five years older and it really helped me a lot and get to the mindset."

The Sarnia Legionnaires will test the team tonight (Tuesday August 26) in their first Exhibition in St. Thomas. Then on Wednesday they are home when they host Chatham with a game start at 7:10pm at the Sarnia Arena.

 "We have a good group of kids to work with this year." Rose said "They got skill, they got speed, they got determination."